2009-2010 - They Are So Beautiful - A Memorial of the Most Beautiful Animals in the World

To honor the WAO animals, I thought it would be appropriate to create a special video showing just how beautiful the WAO animals were at the time the pictures were taken.  I had a difficult time in selecting an appropriate song to go with the video. 

So, when I got stuck on finding the right song, I turned to God for help.   I thought I had found the perfect song, but had trouble downloading it from iTunes.  Turns out, it was not the perfect song.  Instead, while listening to K-LOVE, I came across the MOST perfect song for this presentation.  Truly God inspired.  I hope you agree -

Sabu is Still at the WAO!

Bless his heart, Sabu is okay and still living at Talley Road!  I may not like Cryer, but I'm glad she finally posted one of the big cats from Talley on her Facebook page.

Sabu looks so handsome!  He'd look a lot better without the litter sitting in front of him.  I cannot believe someone (Cryer?) threw trash into Sabu's enclosure.  This could be very dangerous if Sabu accidentally swallowed the small water bottle.  Never-the-less, Sabu is still one handsome lion!  I miss Sabu so much...May God continue to Bless and Protect Sabu always...

2010 End of Year Suprises and Secrets Discovered!

It's hard to believe that this entire investigative case started back in December of 2005.  I wish I could be as optimistic as I was this time last year for the WAO animals left behind.  I guess all I can do now is work hard so everyone will know the truth as to what really happened at the WAO.  I cannot let the animals be forgotten. 

Read the bottom for the surprise I received earlier this week!

Today, I received this article via Google alert...

http://www.wilsonvillespokesman.com/news/2010/December/30/Top.stories/saying.hello.to.some.big.cats/news.aspx

Saying hello to some big cats

The Wildcat Haven rescued two tigers from Texas earlier this year. It wasn't something Mike and Cheryl Tuller ever wanted, but they've welcomed the newcomers

By: Josh Kulla Published: 12/30/2010 4:27:14 PM
Photo By: Wildcat Haven

Wildcat Haven

Two tigers, including Shirley, above, were rescued from a Texas facility earlier this fall.

Over the past decade, the Wildcat Haven Sanctuary has established itself as one of the preeminent facilities of its kind in the United States for small, captive born wildcats.

Located on eight acres of rural property between Wilsonville and Sherwood, Wildcat Haven is home to around 50 servals, bobcats, lynx and even cougars. The stories of each wildcat are unique and almost universally tragic. And for the first several years of its existence, founders Cheryl and Mike Tuller chose to work exclusively with smaller wildcats commonly bought and sold as pets, often illegally.

That all changed, however, earlier this fall.

That’s when the Tullers were contacted as part of a closely-knit national network of animal sanctuaries. They learned that the Wild Animal Orphanage, a massive facility in San Antonio, Texas, housing over 400 bears, lions, tigers, primates and smaller wildcats, would be closing its doors. Every animal living there, virtually all in cramped or uncomfortable conditions, would need a new home.

This included Mac and Shirley, a pair of 12-year-old Bengal tigers that had lived at the Orphanage for the past 10 years.

“We were never going to take in tigers, it wasn’t anything we really wanted to do,” Tuller said. “But the situation was so dire, we needed to step up and do something.”

And once they talked to the U.S. Department of Agriculture officials in charge of finding suitable homes for the rescues, the Tullers confirmed that their mission back home in Oregon had just gotten a lot bigger.

On Oct. 14, the Tullers and other Wildcat Haven staffers welcomed Mac and Shirley to the Willamette Valley. They were joined by a serval and a caracal also taken from the Orphanage.

“They absolutely were in too small of a space and there were too many animals,” Tuller said. “And because of (Orphanage) management that was corrupt they ended up with no food and a terrible situation. These cats are 12 years old and they’d never been to a vet. There were no vet records or anything from the Wild Animal Orphanage, and that’s just ridiculous.”

Even before the Orphanage filed for bankruptcy in November, it had been under investigation by the Texas Attorney General’s charitable trust division over financial irregularities for the past several years, according to a Nov. 4, 2009, article in the San Antonio Current. Before that, it gained notoriety for a string of violations of U.S.D.A. regulations dating back over a decade.

Orphanage secretary Suzanne Straw told the last summer that the facility was cooperating with investigation. This added to the decision by the Orphanage’s board of directors to close down the facility, Straw said.

“Due to our overpopulation, and the fact that we don’t have the ability to care for the animals in the manner that we would prefer, we’ve decided to dissolve the orphanage and find new homes for the animals,” Straw said. “Even for a couple of months before this vote was cast, we were in the process of finding homes for as many of our animals as we could.”

Back in Oregon, the Tullers and their acquaintances feel this is an oversimplification. Because the number of wild animal sanctuaries in the United States always has been small, most operators of such facilities, including the Tullers, have long since grown familiar with each other.

They also have little good to say about the Orphanage and its former owners, Ron and Carol Asvetas, who have been accused in the past, among other things, of allegedly having healthy animals killed in order to make way at her Orphanage for new arrivals.

The couple, which founded the Orphanage in 1983, were ultimately suspended without pay a little over a year ago by the Orphanage’s board of directors. Litigation ensued between both parties as the Orphanage was forced to start ridding itself of its animals. Bankruptcy soon followed.

“It’s a small cat network,” Tuller said. “And being part of the Animal Sanctuary Association, we get updates and everything, and we have been monitoring her (Asvetas) for a long time. She’s never been an honest person and none of us had been fond of her; it’s just been an ongoing thing.”

It’s yet another example, Tuller adds, of so-called animal sanctuaries sometimes being anything but a safe haven.

“There are so many facilities that call themselves sanctuaries and aren’t, it’s frightening,” she said.

Medical issues

This is not even the first time Mac and Shirley have had to be re-homed. They were part of a rescue in Iowa in 2001 in which four big cats had starved to death before the survivors were taken to Texas and the Wild Animal Orphanage.

After coming to the Wildcat Haven, the Tullers found both tigers suffered from a poor diet, resulting in health issues. In addition, Shirley had a bite wound on her paw and Mac an open sore on his side.

“They both came with issues,” Tuller said.

Now, after over two months of proper nutrition and medical care, both tigers are fully on the road to recovery and are adapting to their new home. They both display vibrant personalities, and both are used to the presence of humans after a decade of being put on display for visitors to the Wild Animal Orphanage. They both have bulked up, too. Mac now weighs in at 450 pounds, while Shirley is a comparatively svelte 400 pounds.

“Mac and Shirley are both very laid back cats. They’re so nice,” Tuller said. “They’re so grateful for everything, they’re really no trouble. The cougars don’t like them, and they smell different, but they’re getting used to them.”

After sharing an closure less than 500 square feet in size for the past 10 years, the tigers now are living in a space five times that size and littered with trees and perches. The evergreen trees, in particular, have proved especially fascinating, with limbs and branches providing convenient toys.

Mac and Shirley also are vocal. Much more so than any of their fellow Wildcat Haven residents. Tuller likened the tigers’ roars as being a cross between a bull and Chewbacca.

“They roar, yes they do,” she said. “It’s kind of funny.”

With the addition of larger animals has come added physical security in and around their enclosure. For safety, no human is allowed to enter or even touch the tigers.

“There’s no going in with these cats, there’s no touching these cats, there’s no reason to,” Tuller said. “It’s different; they literally can kill you even if they’re not trying to.”

That’s just one of the changes they’ll be adjusting to in the coming months, even as they consider how to help the dozens more large cats at the Wild Animal Orphanage that still remain in need of homes. For now, they’re being watched after by a volunteer caretaker organization. But that can’t last forever.

“Ideally we need more space, certainly, again with the big cats, we realize the big cats are the ones who need to be placed,” Tuller said. “There were six sanctuaries who stepped up to take cats, but when you have 70 lions and tigers it’s hard.”

For now, Wildcat Haven will continue to provide homes for Mac and Shirley and any other captive born wildcats that need a home, even as they search for a new location with more space to accommodate the anticipated growth.

“It’s just an amazing situation for them,” Tuller said, “Although right now though we’re actively looking for more property. We’re pretty proud of what we do, we go so far beyond the minimum standards because we care about the animals and their well-being and their emotional enrichment.”

At A Glance

The Wildcat Haven is entirely run on donated funds, which come from a dedicated group of volunteers and donors committed to saving wildcats. Now, however, the need for ongoing financial aid is more acute than ever.



Web / Donate: visit www.wildcathaven.org.

For the last several years, I tried very hard to get the USDA to do something, anything, to help save the WAO animals from the Asvestas and then the Cryers.  The animals never had medical records.  Heck the animal files were "created" by the Asvestas as there were no animal files available.  There was no vet care, or proper diets made available to the animals, etc., and yet the USDA and the OAG did NOTHING to save the animals.  You may recall from previous posts, whereas the USDA investigator continually said the "paperwork was in order." 

Well, that's all about to change.  For you see, a long time ago I was given some files to help prove the Asvestas were stealing from the animals.  I did not have a chance to go through all the files, as I was helping the former WAO director, Nicole, save the WAO from ruin.  Now that the year is ending, and wanting to pack up all the files and move past this case, I came across the same files again, and decided to go through them.  Lo and behold, I discover hidden secrets that the Asvestas and the former WAO vet, Dr. Ehrlund, would not want the public to know.  As I go through the files and prepare an appropriate write-up for a federal government entity, I decided that this information is too important not to post my findings to this blog.  The revelations will blow you away (as it did for me).  I could not believe how culpable the entire WAO board from 2005-2010 were in all the illegal activity and did nothing to rein in the Asvestas.  These files, prove without a doubt, everyone should be brought up on criminal charges.  Since the OAG and the USDA refused to serve the greater good, I guess that leaves just one government agency that might be very interested in what I have discovered.  I just pray this government office moves against the entire board of directors.  This should be very interesting. 

A Wonderful End of Year Surprise from Jungle Friends

Ironically, yesterday I was thinking of the capuchin monkeys that were sent from the WAO to Jungle Friends earlier this year, wondering how the monks were doing.  Today, I received a wonderful update on Zumie (I cannot get over how much she has grown) and I thought I'd share two videos and pictures of her and two other young monks that came from the WAO:

First let's see Baby and Monkers:



Monkers and the Baby...
even grass is interesting!

Baby surveys the habitat
from the runway.

Monkers is ready for a nap in her hammock... 

...but Baby is ready for action.

Ready... set...

Go!

Life at Jungle Friends is full of interesting dining options...   

Baby enjoys dining ‘al fresco’...

He can round out the meal with a little bark...

Or a sampling of the very best dirt.

And now it's Zumie's turn!  Zumie... All in a Day's Play 

Zumie knows what’s good...
Pick-and-eat bamboo is a monkey delicacy.

These branches are great for climbing.

... or hanging!

New toy!

Zumie

Time for a snack.





I just cannot get over how much little Zumie has grown.  The last time I saw here she was this big!



Fundraising Spoof

I think this says it all...

 Click on picture

Fundraising Spoof -  By Fred Lulling!!

Disclaimer

This cartoon is intended for the purposes of satire, parody, lampoonery, or spoof. Due to the nature of the content contained this page, I recognize that from time to time readers might find this spoof offensive. To any readers whose sensibilities have been offended, I offer my sincerest apologies in advance and ask you move on to the next blog page. Thank you!

It's Hard to Say Goodbye

As the year ends, I expect to see less and less postings of the former WAO animals on various sanctuary's websites.  I will have to adjust to the fact I will never see these animals again.  I know over time, I will remember fond memories of the WAO animals, but for now, my heart still hurts from missing all of them.

I found these pictures on Carolina Tiger Rescue Facebook page of Sheba (I think she is still living with Sebastian and Tarzan):  http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/album.php?fbid=483767988121&id=180650068121&aid=261167

Sheba keeping an eye on things.



Bali is definitely feeling at home with a good roll and playful pose in a dry, sunny spot.



Bali Tiger, one of our new rescues from San Antonio.

Java has already found the best places in the enclosure to chill. It's so interesting to see that new animals to a habitat tend to prefer the same places as the previous residents!

Java, our new girl from San Antonio, getting used to snow in addition to a new habitat.



Sheba continuing to keep an eye on things.

 And from Exotic Feline Rescue Center here is a picture of Sahib taken in December 2010:

Wildcat Sanctuary's 2010 Recap

I had to brace myself to watch this video as I knew Lakota and T'Savo would be "honored" in it.  I was surprised to see that there were six other cat deaths at Wildcat Sanctuary this year.  Since I know T'Savo's death was senseless, I cannot help but wonder what happened to the rest of the cats.  I have no doubt a few died from old age, but what about the rest?  Natural causes, or were they "helped?"  At this point, I don't want to know.

I was pleased to see the surviving WAO animals looked like they were having fun in the snow.  I pray that the Wildcat Sanctuary will provide the former WAO cats excellent care for the rest of the natural lives.

Here's the video...have some tissues handy. 

 

Christmas Prayers for the WAO Animals

My thoughts never stray to far from the WAO animals--and today is no exception.  For two days I've been preparing for a house-full of friends coming over to enjoy Christmas dinner, and yet I cannot help but wonder if the WAO animals received any presents from "Santa" this year.  Did the big cats receive any special enrichment items this year, like they did last year?  Any large special cuts of meats for the carnivores?  How about the monks?  Did they get any "toys?"  Did the primates receive special fruits and nuts usually reserved for special occasions, as they did just 12 months ago? 

I guess I will never know.  I do know the temperature dipped to a low of 32F degrees and so I cannot help but worry about whether or not the chimps, baboons (yep, they are apparently still at the WAO's Talley Road property), and little monks received heat this year?    For the next two days, the temperature is expected to drop to 27F degrees over night.  Did Santa provide blankets and heat sources for all the animals?  Hay for the big cats so they don't have to sleep on the hard concrete-like ground? Again, I have no idea if the animals were warm on Christmas Day, nor do I know if they will be okay when the temperatures drop below freezing.

So, while we are all snug in our warm homes, the animals are probably going to be left alone for most of the Christmas holiday to shiver in their own homes, alone.

I did learn, from Michelle Cryer's Facebook page, that she visited the Talley Road animals for a few hours in the morning feeding the chimps and baboons.  Let me guess...monkey chow...again? 

Here is what she posted on her Facebook page:

Michelle Anthony-Cryer

Christmas morning with the baboons and chimps ;-) beautiful !!!
Saturday at 12:31pm via iPhone · View Feedback (3)Hide Feedback (3).


Kenneth L. Kuykendall Merry Christmas Friend! But isn't it afternoon there already?!?

Saturday at 12:42pm.
Michelle Anthony-Cryer Merry Christmas Kk

Yes it's afternoon but just now posting the pictures from this morning just finished feeding
Saturday at 1:06pm.

This is Mona...



This is Mona with no toys, blankets, hay, or food remnants in her enclosure...
just a cute chimp in a cage...

 I cannot help but notice Cryer never takes pictures of the big cats still living at Talley Road.  I cannot help but wonder why?  I can only pray that Atti (if she is still there), Sabu, and the tigers left behind are healthy, warm, and well-cared for.  I miss Lance (tiger) and Maverick (black-spotted leopard).  Are they okay?  Are they thriving or are they just surviving? 

I pray that the animals receive a special miracle next year.  After all they have been through, I pray the WAO animals finally receive the special care and attention they so deserve.  I will also pray that there is justice for the WAO animals that did not survive to see the new year.  They deserved so much better than what life had dealt them.  The WAO past board of directors (2005-2009) should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law by the IRS and the OAG for fraud and misappropriation of funds.  Only then, would there be justice for the animals.

God Bless all the current and former WAO animals.  May Jesus bless and protect them always.  Amen.

Christmas Video (Not Animal Related)

Okay, in the spirit of Christmas, I thought you might enjoy this video.  It really speaks of the times...and that is why I have no desire ever to fly in an airplane ever again! 

Wildcat Sanctuary's 12 Days of a Big Cat's Christmas

12 Days of a Big Cat's Christmas

I really like this video -- no animal exploitation!  I am happy to see the former WAO animals are having fun in the snow!

Can Vicks and Asvestas Be Rehabilitated?

Has everyone in the animal saving business gone nuts?  When I first heard that HSUS's Wayne Pacelle stated that Vicks should be allowed to have a dog again sometime in the future because he is now a reformed person, I simply just shook my head in disbelief. 

One of the 54 pit bulls taken from Michael Vick’s property. In the indictment of Vick and three others, the government said some of the dogs “had scars and injuries appearing to be related to dog fighting.”

Below are exerts from Wayne Pacelle regarding the Vick/pitbull fighting/betting/killing case.

http://hsus.typepad.com/wayne/2010/12/michael-vick-pet.html

All of that said, I do think that if his rehabilitation progresses and he handles the probation period flawlessly, it could be a good thing for Michael Vick’s family to have a pet at the end of that process [emphasis added by me]. To adopt a pet is the most cherished desire of countless millions of children everywhere, including Michael Vick’s two little girls, London and Jada. It’s the most natural thing in the world for a parent to want to grant that wish.  

I agreed with the judge’s ruling that he should not have a dog for at least a three year period after his incarceration. But the court did not decide to impose a lifetime ban, and based on the work for animals he has undertaken since his release from prison, I don’t believe he should be forever banned from adopting a dog for his two daughters. [Emphasis added by me]

There may be some who would forever deny Michael Vick the opportunity to have a pet. I understand that sentiment. But there is a larger principle at stake here. We at The HSUS are about the business of change—personal and societal change. Our work with Michael Vick is helping to change the view of pit bulls in urban communities from fighters to friends. We must be open to the possibility that rehabilitation is possible, and faithful to our hope that people can change. When that rehabilitation succeeds, it’s to the good for all involved—people and animals alike. [Emphasis added by me]

At the time Mr. Pacelle made these statements, where is the consideration for all the dogs and other small animals that lost their lives because one person decided it was okay to kill, maim, and bet money on the outcome of the pitbull battles?  HSUS is in the business of "change?"  Are you kidding me?  I thought HSUS was in the business of saving animals from sadistic animal abusers!  Open to the idea that rehabilitation is "possible?"  So it's okay to risk the lives of animals based on the "possibility that rehabilitation is possible?"

I cannot believe anyone who says he cares about animal welfare would ever want Vicks to own any kind of animal again!  Rehabilitated?  Can a murderer be rehabilitated?  If Vick's "children" want to have a pet, then they can simply wait until they move away from their father's house before they acquire a dog or cat, plain and simple.

Let's take this scenario one step further -- is it okay to have a convicted child molester live with children if some non-profit group says this person has been "rehabilitated?"  Would any judge or jury want to risk the lives of children in the hands of a supposed "rehabilitated" child molester?

How about the WAO case?  Should the Asvestas, Cryers, Maxfield, Behaine, and Matthes ever be allowed to start another wild animal sanctuary if these people say they are "sorry" and that they are "rehabilitated?"  After all the lives that were lost at the WAO, is this something our society can endorse and support?

I guess if you support HSUS, then the answer is yes.  Explains why Carol Asvestas and Andrew Behaine were able to start up yet another wild animal rescue non-profit organization right under HSUS' noses!  It would not surprise me if HSUS plans to bankroll the Asvestas' latest scam sometime in the future, at an appropriate time when they believe the Asvestas' have been suitably "rehabilitated."

No justice for all the pitbulls and their victims that died for the pleasure of a man who profited from their deaths.  And no justice for the WAO animals who died because of greedy and incompetent former WAO board of directors (to include Cryer who is currently the last WAO board member standing today).

Man failed these animals, but God will judge these people some day soon.

Later:
Obama is glad Eagles signed Michael Vick



I found this posting on the web today.  Here is an exert from the Politico "Click" website:

NBC’s Peter King reported the call during “Football Night in America” on Sunday.




“I talked to Jeffrey Lurie, the owner of the Eagles this week, and he said he was surprised to pick up the phone one day and Barack Obama calls him to praise the Philadelphia Eagles for signing Vick and giving him a second chance,” King said from NBC’s Rockefeller Plaza studios. “Lurie told me that the president was passionate about the fact that it’s rarely a level playing field for prisoners once they leave jail. And he said the message was, what the Eagles had done with Vick was important for society,” said King.


A spokesman for the Eagles confirmed to POLITICO that King’s statement was accurate.

Truly, there is no justice for the dogs that lost their lives because of the sadistic behavior of Michael Vicks.  Just in case you forgot what happened to the dogs, take a look at this photo and then ask yourself was there any justice for these animals, as now even the President of the US is hailing Vicks as a rehabilitated model prisoner (murderer in my opinion).

Sadly, justice for the WAO animals will not be forthcoming either.  For some reason, criminals get a pass for abusing/killing animals, then well-known people and organizations hail these criminals as heroes.  And we all wonder why our society is so screwed up!

Not a Happy Five Year Anniversary

It was five years ago today that I left the WAO for the first time and started the WAO investigation. 

Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think that the WAO animals would be relocated throughout the US because both facilities closed it doors forever.

Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think that the OAG and the USDA would fail in their fiduciary responsibilities and allow the Asvestas and the past board to avoid prosecution for violating the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices and misappropriation of donated funds and equipment/supplies, not to mention the numerous  violations of the Animal Welfare Act

Never in my wildest dreams did I think that those who lied to official investigators of the USDA and OAG would be allowed to help re-home the animals and continue to take care of the animals left behind.

Never in my wildest dreams did I think IFAW would try and rewrite history at the WAO and elect to work with the very people who were responsible for numerous WAO animal deaths and the demise of the organization.

From what I was able to learn, one lion (possibly Atti) and two tigers are leaving the WAO soon for parts unknown.  I don't know what is worse -- knowing where the animals are going (to either be exploited for money or shipped off to substandard sanctuaries) or not knowing where they are going.  The bottom line is these animals will simply disappear forever and no one will ever check on them six months or one year later to see if they are coping in their new environments.

So many animals died for nothing as IFAW, the former WAO workers, and past  (and one current) board members lie about their role in the death of the organization.  It was my intention that the WAO animals not be forgotten and that those animals who died, did not die in vain.  I failed in that mission. 

This story will never be told because the liberal media does not want to cover this type of story.  If this story was about a private exotic wild animal owner, possessing over 400 animals, who stole a lot of money from "donors," allowed animals to die horribly, and got away scott-free from the authorities, IFAW, PETA and all the other animal rights groups would be howling for blood.  Instead, IFAW is making up stories as to why the WAO closed its door, just so this organization can save face.  I would estimate by the time this entire case is over, IFAW will have spent close to $1 million on the WAO.  And what will they have to show for it? 

Oh sure, IFAW may buy the Talley Road land and try to set-up a trust for the WAO animals left behind, but the reality is, the new "WAO" will probably fail again due to inexperienced people running the operation.

This was not supposed to happen at all.

Several days later (after thought):

· Michelle Anthony-Cryer

Taking special treats to the chimps and baboons this morning-
I'm always happy in the morning when I know I'm going to visit them

Do you know what is really sad?  I can only see the animals left behind at the WAO via Michelle Cryer's Facebook page.  So while she gets to "play" with the animals, I am left wondering how much time they have left in life.

Lance lives!

Handsome Lance without Leyla...

I don't know if I will ever get past my "feelings" I have for the USDA, OAG, the WAO workers and board members.  Not only did they let me down from the very beginning five years ago today, but they all really let the WAO animals down.  I guess there really is no justice for the animals after all.  What a complete waste of time.  What a complete waste of life.

“Cat Diaries: The First Ever Movie Filmed by Cats!”

A little light hearted humor during the Christmas Season!

The RePURRters Movie


Watch “Cat Diaries: The First Ever Movie Filmed by Cats!” Inspired by our Repurrters, we created this amazing film to document the magical world of cats. Enjoy!




The RePURRters: On AssignmentIn August 2010, Friskies selected 25 cats to participate in a feline focus group to provide greater insight into a cat's magical world. The selected cats, affectionately dubbed "The RePURRters", wore specially-designed portable video cameras around their necks to capture daily footage for five days. Purina animal behaviorist, Dr. Jill Villarreal, analyzed the footage to draw conclusions as to the daily adventures of cats. The findings are now presented in the second edition of The Scratchington Post. For this project, Friskies selected cats that were playful and adventurous – personifying the Friskies brand. A good representation of both male and female cats, as well as various living arrangements, such as whether cats lived in a house or an apartment, whether they lived with other pets or whether they lived in different parts of the United States, was also taken into consideration. Meet the RePURRters...   http://www.friskies.com/repurrters/

Christmas Came Early at the Wildcat Sanctuary

Layla the Bengal tiger and all of the cats at TWS received their holiday gifts this week.
We'll post more photos and their holiday video soon.

Carolina Tiger Rescue's Photos - 2010-12-15 New Lions and Tigers move into their outdoor homes

From Carolina Tiger Rescue's Facebook page:

The lions and tigers were moved to their outdoor enclosures yesterday! How do you think they're liking their new home? 

Sebastian, one of the WAO lions, coming out of the transport crate to his new enclosure.

Sebastian checks out the neighbors, Miami and Karrimah servals.

Volunteer Mike and Sebastian lion- interesting just for sheer scale, our new Sebastian is a big boy!

Sheba stretching her legs in the new space

Staking her claim.

Sheba looking very svelte

Tarzan decided to claim his space with a scratch and plans to throw a kegger party

Sheba also took the lay of the land from the top of her new denbox.

Portrait of Tarzan.

Tarzan enters the new enclosure.

Java Tiger also came from WAO. She was surrendered to them with 2 other tigers
when her owner in Louisianna could no longer afford to keep them.

Java (she is stalking the photographer)

Bali getting used to the new digs.

Bali Tiger also came from WAO. He was originally rescued with
24 other tigers from a private owner in New Jersey.

Titan Tiger came to us last month when Wild Animal Orphanage in San Antonio, TX
closed. He was originally rescued from a private zoo that closed. Now he will have a permanent home!

Big cats moved into permanent habitats


FROM STAFF REPORTS

Six big cats rescued from a wild animal facility in San Antonio, Texas, last month were successfully moved from quarantine into their new habitats at Carolina Tiger Rescue in Pittsboro on Wednesday.

The six cats - three lions and three tigers - were rescued from The Wild Animal Orphanage in San Antonio.

The lions - Tarzan, Sheba and Sebastian - now live together in a habitat on Tiger Island. The three tigers - Bali, Titan and Java - now live in the habitat formerly occupied by Romeo and Shalimar tigers. All of the animals will be evaluated to determine how they respond to the educational tours.

No major health concerns were discovered during their time in quarantine. However, some of the tigers suffer from normal complications associated with older age, such as arthritis, and most of the animals are overweight. They will be placed on medications and tailored diets to optimize their health and comfort.

"We are particularly enjoying the lions," said Carolina Tiger Rescue Executive Director Pam Fulk. "All of the other species are solitary, and it has really been fun to watch the lions 'puddle' and play together.

"Carolina Tiger Rescue would like to thank the public for so generously supporting the 'Bring Them Home' campaign to raise $7,500 for transportation, medical care during quarantine, and habitat preparation costs for this rescue. We only have to raise another $1,650 to meet our goal for this rescue."

Carolina Tiger Rescue is a nonprofit organization whose mission is saving wild cats in captivity and in the wild. The 55-acre sanctuary is home to 80 animals, including tigers, ocelots, binturongs, and more. Carolina Tiger Rescue provides a home for a variety of carnivores, mainly wild cats, as well as conservation education for the public through tours, community presentations and exhibits. All tours are by reservation only.

Source:  http://www.chapelhillnews.com/2010/12/19/61373/big-cats-moved-into-permanent.html